Former international Etim Esin has declared that Alex Iwobi is good enough to wear the number 10 jersey for the Super Eagles.
The Arsenal forward largely plays as a winger for his club while in the Nigerian colours, he has featured in a variety of roles including left wing, right wing and has also been used as an attacking midfield and centre forward.
However, Etim feels he will function better for Nigeria if he is deployed in the number 10 position where the current captain of the side, Mikel Obi, plays.
Speaking with New Telegraph, Esin said Iwobi, who is a cousin of former Super Eagles mercurial midfielder, Austin Okocha, is perfect for Nigeria’s number 10.
To buttress his point, Esin, himself a top-class midfielder in his active days, emphasised the eye-catching performances of Iwobi while playing for Nigeria.
“Iwobi is one of Nigeria’s most in-form attacking players, he is good enough. His cousin Okocha was also a number 10 and I believe he can deliver. The number 10 jersey is an inspirational number for any player in the world; so if he thinks it’s time for him to take it, he should be encouraged to take the role.”
“He is playing for Arsenal, a top side in England; so if he is inspired, he can take over the playmaker’s role and perform to expectations,” he told our correspondent.
Iwobi, who is enjoying a new lease of life under new Gunners’ boss, Unai Emery, has scored four goals in his last seven matches for the Super Eagles.
He recently declared his intention to step into the playmaker’s role with the conviction that he had the talent to drive the team attacking play from the centre.
The 22-year-old, whose goal against Zambia sealed Nigeria’s place at the last World Cup in Russia, is expected to return to the Super Eagles for next month’s two-legged clash with Libya having pulled out of the last match against Seychelles due to health issues.